BROKEN BOW – Thursday morning started with many Broken Bow citizens being awakened by the sound of what they are describing as “four big bangs”. Those bangs would later be confirmed as an explosion at the downtown power plant location.
(Story updated chronologically as information is received, please return to this story for the most up-to-date information)
The Custer County Sheriff’s Office has asked that citizens stay clear of the downtown area as first responders work to extinguish the flames. Both Custer County Emergency Management and the Broken Bow Police Department have asked that calls to 911 dispatch be reserved for immediate emergencies, not to inquire about the outages or explosion.
Smoke could be seen in the air from far around the downtown area throughout the morning. Many businesses that first reported outages have said their power has been restored, no doubt thanks to the quick response and dedication of city workers and first responders.
The explosion is believed to be as a result of cold temperatures putting a significant stress on the city’s power system.
CEO of the Melham Memorial Medical Center in Broken Bow Kyle Kellum said after a brief power outage this morning, power has been restored and the hospital is taking appointments as scheduled.
UPDATE (10:15 AM Thursday) In a press release from the Broken Bow PIO, Broken Bow Mayor, and Broken Bow City Administrator it was stated that the explosion happened at approximately 6:17 AM at the Municipal Power Plant located in the 800 block of South B Street, causing a subsequent fire.
At the time of the explosion, two city employees were inside the power plant. Both sustained minor injuries and were transported to Melham Medical Center by Broken Bow Ambulance Service out of an abundance of caution.
The Broken Bow Electric Department has successfully rerouted power to restore service to most areas following the city-wide outage. However, some locations remain affected as crews work to fully restore power.
The following areas are currently without service:
– North 8th & C Street
– North 9th & J Street
– North 10th & H Street
– North 11th & H Street
– North 12th & H Street
– North 12th & D Street
– North B- 14th Street
– Highway 2 to South B St to 15th St
Additionally, the explosion impacted the City’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, which automated key water service controls. Crews are currently working to manually maintain and control water services until the system can be restored.
An emergency declaration has been signed by the Mayor and was read by City Administrator Dave Schmidt:
For those without power or heat, the North Park Elementary school at 1135 North H Street, Third City Christian Church at 831 Buffalo Run Road, and the Veterans Building at 416 S. 1st Avenue have been designated as emergency shelters. Several hotels are also offering reduced rates for overnight stays.
City crews are doing welfare checks on residents without power and are informing them of those shelters. Assistance will be provided to those needing transportation to a shelter.
Residents without power are advised to open your faucets to a drip to keep your pipes from freezing.
The cause of the accident is believed to be electrical at this time, although the City is waiting for a final report.
Residents are encouraged to stay clear of the area while emergency crews continue their work. An emergency declaration has been signed by the Mayor.
UPDATE (11:15 AM Thursday) Additional details learned in a press conference held at the Broken Bow electrical department building:
– The fire is under control and hot spots are being monitored and put out.
– The exact extent of the damage to the power plant is undetermined at this time, but it is believed to likely be “significant”
– No neighboring structures were damaged by the explosion or fire.
– No first responders were injured responding to the fire.
– Those without power at this time (list above) will be without power for an undetermined amount of time while temporary systems are put in place to restore power.
– Those that have had power restored were indicated to be operating at full capability.
– With the damage to the city’s SCADA water service controls, there are no formal restrictions on water use at this time but refraining from unnecessary water use is appreciated by the city.
– There are no electrical use restrictions, but refraining from unnecessary use is appreciated by the city.
UPDATE (1:50 PM Thursday) State Senator representing Custer County, Tanya Storer, spoke with Dave Birnie Thursday afternoon about seeking additional funds to mitigate the disaster, and said NPPD is sending crews to help with restoring power to residents in Broken Bow. Listen to the full interview here:
UPDATE (4:15 PM Thursday) The VFW is no longer able to serve as a shelter. Anyone needing shelter is asked to go to North Park School. Emergency crews are back at the power plant dealing with hot spots. Crews will continue working with Custer Public Power and NPPD on getting power restored.
UPDATE (5:50 PM Thursday) Public Information Officer Mason Holmes says between 10:03 AM and 12:22 PM, emergency responders had gone door-to-door at 84 residences leaving information with details on emergency shelters and guidance for leaving faucets dripping to prevent freezing pipes.
Hot spots have developed at the scene and are being addressed. City crews along with Custer Public Power and Nebraska Public Power District continue working to restore power. There is no estimated timeline for full restoration.
Residents should prepare for a night without power. A second round of welfare checks in affected areas are being conducted. Click here for a link that includes all information on available hotels.
UPDATE (7:30 AM Friday) Power restoration efforts continue Friday for Broken Bow residents still without power. City Administrator Dave Schmidt said in an early morning release that NPPD’s pre-startup testing revealed a mechanical issue with the mobile substation that prevents it from being put into service.
While the city is grateful the issue was found prior to mishap or injury, it was not the news they were hoping for. He said a second backup unit is due to arrive this morning.
UPDATE (Noon Friday) Crews are actively working to deploy the new unit which arrived at 8 AM this morning to restore power as soon as possible. Another round of welfare checks are being conducted in affected areas.
Those who are using alternative heat sources are urged to ensure proper ventilation and adequate airflow to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide (CO). CO poisoning can be life-threatening. The use of CO detectors is encouraged.
Read the full release from Friday at noon here.
UPDATE (1:20 PM Friday) From City Administrator Dave Schmidt:
Please be advised; Broken Bow Municipal electric will begin reenergizing the area affected by the power outage at 1:20 P.M. today. Citizens are encouraged to inspect property for potential problems as things begin to warm up, once power is restored. Power may cycle off-and-on a number of times this afternoon as the system is fully brought online.
This story will be updated when more information is made available.
